Hello All!
The month of December was flurry of Miss America preparations and holiday festivities. On December 3rd, I emceed the Fairchild Gardens Botanical Fashion Show in Miami. This is a fashion show that features accessories that middle and high school students designed and made entirely from plants. The designs were incredible! It was hard to believe that everything was made from plants!
The next day, Mary and I flew to Tallahassee. Upon arrival we met with board member Martha Dewitt. it was so great to reconnect with her. After settling into our hotel, we visited the Chi Phi Fraternity of Florida State University, who are in charge of the Miss FSU Pageant. The contestants were also in attendance. I shared with them my experiences as a competitor and titleholder in the Miss Florida pageant. The fraternity and contestants were all excited about the opportunities that the Miss Florida organization could bring to them.
The next morning, I set off for the capitol to lobby for Everglades Restoration.
After lobbying at the capital I visited the Department of Environmental Protection where I shared my journeys as Miss Florida speaking and advocating the protection of the world around us. I also recorded a public service announcement for the Everglades Radio Network.
That night Mary and I attended a meeting with Martha for an organization called the Capital Conservatives. Their guest speak for the night was the State Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater. He spoke to us about his role as State CFO and about the progress that the Florida economy has made.
Early the next morning, Mary, members of the Everglades Foundation, and I set off for the capital to attend the Cabinet meeting. The governor had invited me to speak before him, the Cabinet members, and all who were in attendance about the Everglades, its importance to Florida's economy, and my role as an advocate and spokesperson for the Everglades Foundation. It was truly an honor to be invited and introduced by the Governor himself! I couldn't have been more proud of the work I had accomplished during the first half of my reign as Miss Florida.
After the meeting I continued lobbying with congressmen and senators. Lobbying in Tallahassee was different than in Washington D.C. simply because their hearts are with Florida. Everyone was excited to meet their state representative at the Miss America pageant! :-) That night Mary and I flew back to Miami.
The next morning was an even earlier morning. I flew from Miami to Tampa to be a part of Georgettes Fashion Show benefitting St. Joseph's Children Hospital. This event was loads of fun!
A few days later, on December 11th, I had my send off party. My mom planned the entire party and it was such a beautiful one! So many loved ones from all over the state came to wish me well at Miss America. It was so humbling to see how much support I have!
December 13th, I drove to Miami. I met with my vocal coach, Anna McNeely, for a final practice before Miss America and I spent the rest of the week with Mary finalizing all of my wardrobe. Shopping with Mary is always an adventure. Haha!
December 17th, I traveled to St. Petersburg to make an appearance at the Edwards Family Foundation Christmas Celebration. This is an annual event that has the sole intention of providing holiday joy to less fortunate children in St. Petersburg. Many other titleholders from the Miss Florida pageant were there to help celebrate the event.
I spent the next few days in Orlando doing some last minute Christmas shopping. Yes, Miss Florida is guilty of waiting till the last minute for this occasion. ;-)
On December 21st and 22nd, I went on a camping trip with Miss America, Miss America's Outstanding Teen, our Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen, and a few other contestants and friends from the Miss Florida Pageant. We went on an extreme airboat ride, snorkeling with manatees, kayaking, and of course we had a bonfire! Teresa shared with me her journeys as Miss America. She also told me about her experience competing. Every time I see Teresa I am even more amazed by her. What an incredible representative for the Miss America Organization.
Christmas was no more than 3 days away and I still hadn't completed my shopping! So those three days were dedicated to finding those last minute gifts and wrapping. Christmas was a great time with my family.
Two days after Christmas, I drove to Miami to pack for Miss America! While I was there, Lissette Gonzalez, Miss Florida 1998, met with Mary and I for dinner. She shared with me her experience at Miss America and gave me some tips for the week.
Bags packed for Miss America, I returned home to ring in the new year with my family. I couldn't believe I was leaving for Miss America in less than a week!
